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Real Beauty's Self-Tanner Challenge
Lately, having a safe and sunless faux glow is being considered more fashionable (and far less expensive) than carrying the latest Birkin bag. Since finding the right self-tanner is really hard work, we endured the streaks, blotches, smelly formulas, and orange palms just for you. Here are our top 25 picks, as reviewed by our fantastic fair- to medium-skinned testers.
Gradual: Nivea Sun-Kissed Beautiful Legs
Drying Time: About one minute.
Formula and Smell: "It wasn't overpowering at all — I liked it!" said our tester, Tammy, 24. "The consistency blended well and it was easy to apply."
"It smelled less like your average self-tanner," said Brianne, 23, who tested the medium to dark formula. "It's white like a lotion and has a loose, greasy texture that absorbed quickly."
Results: Tammy saw results by day three, while Brianne saw results by day four.
"I would definitely buy this again," said Tammy. "Even though I shave regularly, an added bonus is that it claims to minimize leg-hair growth."
"I always moisturize when I get out of the shower, and since it dried quickly it didn't seem like an extra step in my routine," said Brianne. "I would stand by this product — the only thing that slightly deterred me was the shimmer, although that evened out by day four."
Tester Tip: "Just as a precaution, I would apply this in the morning and let it dry while you're applying your makeup or reading the newspaper," said Tammy. "That way, you won't have to worry about messing up the results and you'll be multitasking at the same time!"
Where to Buy: $10, drugstore.com
Lotion: Lavera Self-Tanning Lotion and Summer Glow Facial Moisturizer
Drying Time: 15 minutes
Formula and Smell: "It smelled wonderful right out of the bottle — kind of a cross between cocoa butter and a light floral scent," said Wendy, 50. "After a few hours, there was a slight self-tanner smell, but to a much lesser degree than others I have tried in the past. The formula is rich and creamy but still easy to apply, leaving no greasy feeling behind. I used it in place of my moisturizer."
Results: "I noticed results after the first application, and the color increased very naturally day by day. It's the greatest self-tanner I've ever used! It's not streaky and gives a bronze color, which is how I tan naturally."
Tester Tip: "I've learned to stay completely away from my ankles and just give a quick light brush over my knees and elbows, since these areas tend to get darker than the rest of your skin."
Where to Buy: Facial moisturizer, $23.50; lavera.com. Body lotion, $27.50; lavera.com
Lotion: Banana Boat Summer Color Self-Tanning Lotion
Drying Time: 3-5 minutes
Formula and Smell: "It smelled like a regular body moisturizer," said our tester, Margie, 61. "It didn't bother me and actually faded throughout the day. The consistency was thick, so you have to really rub it in."
Results: "By day two I was noticeably darker. I would buy it again, but would use it every three days since it worked so quickly."
Tester Tip: "I found that if you apply small amounts and rub in little circles, you're less likely to make mistakes."
Where to Buy: $7, drugstore.com
Face: Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Golden Perfection Self-Tanning Lotion for Face
Drying Time: 2 minutes
Formula and Smell: "The scent was totally doable and barely noticeable after it had dried," said senior editor Andrea, 30. "I was pleasantly surprised at how sheer the formula was, and it was easy to blend and didn't feel sticky or heavy — great for those hot days."
Results: "The color started to develop in under an hour, but I applied it before bed and the next morning I had a subtle golden glow. I had a Real Beauty video shoot and the makeup artist even complimented me on how natural my tan looked. This is a great sunless tanner for the face because it's not greasy and you can deepen the subtle color with repeated applications."
Tester Tip: "It's imperative that you blend the tanner down your neck and onto your chest. Otherwise, you'll end up looking like a tan lollipop!"
Where to Buy: $22.50, nordstrom.com
Lotion: Too Faced Tanning Bed in a Tube for Body
Drying Time: 5-7 minutes
Formula and Smell: "It reminded me of the lotion from when I used to go tanning in college," said Real Beauty associate editor Colleen, 23. "It was very easy to apply. I liked that it gave me an instant subtle shimmer that washed off, but still left behind tanner skin. It was like a 2-in-1 deal!"
Results: "I noticed tanner skin after one day. I am obsessed with this product, especially because it's perfect for a night out."
Tester Tip: "Shimmer is in; looking like you're wearing body glitter is not — so apply it with a light hand!"
Where to Buy: $28, sephora.com
Lotion: L'Oréal Sublime Bronze Luminous Bronzer Self-Tanning Lotion
Drying Time: 15 minutes
Formula and Smell: "It has a very subtle scent that didn't bother me," said our tester, Allison, 28. "It was really easy to apply — just like a lotion."
Results: "I saw results instantly. It's shimmery right out of the bottle, which I typically don't like, but it faded as the product dried."
Tester Tip: "Apply your regular body moisturizer on your elbows, wrists, and other joints to prevent the color from getting too dark on those areas."
Where to Buy: $11, walgreens.com
Lotion: Xen-Tan Deep Bronze Luxe
Drying Time: 5 minutes
Formula and Smell: "I noticed a faint vanilla scent that didn't bother me," said associate editor Colleen, 23. "It came out in a greenish hue and blended in easily."
"The smell wasn't overpowering, although the next morning I got a few wafts of that self-tanner smell," said associate editor Ariana, 24. "I used the Xen-Tan Deluxe Tanning Mitt that you need to buy separately, and it made it easy to apply, plus I didn't have to worry about staining my hands. (I washed them afterward just in case)."
Results: "I loved that I only have to use this once a week!" said Colleen. "The formula had a tint to it so I could rub it in well, which kept me from getting streaks."
"Colleen can attest: I had major self-tanning agita going into this challenge," said Ariana. "To me, the whole process was difficult, the results unknown. This was the perfect product for a first-time self-tanner like myself: super-convenient and very easy to use. I saw natural, golden results the next day (no streaks, blotches, or mess-ups), which mirrored how I naturally tan."
Tester Tip: "I found that once I blended it on my legs, I ran the mitt lightly over my knees and feet," said Ariana. "It seemed to work, like there was just enough formula left to tan those tricky areas without overloading them."
Where to Buy: $39, drugstore.com
Gradual: Jergens Natural Glow Revitalizing Daily Moisturizer
Drying Time: 10 minutes
Formula and Smell: "It had the self-tanner scent that faded throughout the day," said our tester, Jennifer, 38. "It was easy to apply even though I found it rather thick."
"I loved the scent from the minute I put it on," said our second tester, Colette, 48. "It went on really smooth and evenly."
Results: "I noticed a slight glow by the second day, and by the end of the week I had a nice tan," said Jennifer. "I tested the light-to-medium formula, so I would recommend someone looking for a deeper tan to try the dark-to-medium."
"I loved this product," said Colette. "It had everything I was looking for: easy to use and had a flattering scent."
Tester Tip: "Test it out first on an area that you can easily cover up just in case things go awry," said Jennifer. "I applied it on my legs first, and after I saw the good results, I moved on to my upper body."
Where to Buy: $8.49, drugstore.com
Lotion: Mystic Tan Build Sunless Tanning Lotion for Face + Body
Drying Time: 15 minutes
Formula and Smell: "The smell was relatively mild right out of the bottle, and disappeared after an hour," said our tester, Sarah, 28. "It didn't feel greasy and was a really good consistency."
Results: "My legs had a nice glow within four hours on the first day. I reapplied every other day to maintain. I liked how it dried quickly and that the smell was minimal. I did worry at one point if I was bordering on an orange hue, so if you have fair skin like me, start out slowly, like every two days."
Tester Tip: "It came with a mitt that I tried using but ended up finding it to be bulky. The lotion was much easier to spread with my hands."
Where to Buy: $38, beauty.com
Aerosol: Neutrogena Micro Mist Airbrush Sunless Tan Spray
Drying Time: 8 minutes
Formula and Smell: "It had a strong, perfume-like scent," said our tester, Cecile, 25. "I didn't mind it, although I can see getting tired of it if I used it every day. The spray was very easy to maneuver, although I needed to use a lot in order to achieve an even application."
Results: "I saw a tan within 3-4 hours of applying it. I liked that it smelled nice, didn't take long to apply, dried quickly, and created a natural tan."
Tester Tip: "I used plastic gloves to even it out. Even a plastic bag would do. Don't hesitate to spray more than enough product so you can even it out properly."
Where to Buy: $11.99, walgreens.com
Mousse: St. Tropez Gradual Tan Mousse
Drying Time: 5-10 minutes
Formula and Smell: "The scent was really fresh as I was applying it," said our tester, Gina, 31. "As the DHA activated, it developed a slight odor that I didn't care for, although it didn't deter me from using it again. The mousse made it luxurious, more like putting on a moisturizing body oil than a self-tanner. It had a sheen that I could see while applying it, which made it easy to see."
Results: "I saw a slight difference by day one, but by day two a deeper tan had developed. I did have some streaks, but they evened out with each application."
Tester Tip: "I was really adamant about wearing plastic gloves. I didn't want to risk orange palms."
Where to Buy: $30, sephora.com
Gradual: Olay Quench Plus Touch of Sun
Drying Time: 15 minutes
Formula and Smell: "Right out of the bottle the smell was really nice," said our tester, Kerri, 22, who tried the light-to-medium formula. "It went on smoothly and left my skin really soft. I didn't see any streaks or uneven spots."
"The scent is reminiscent of traditional tanners, but wasn't offensive," said our tester, Jennifer, 30, who also tested the light-to-medium. "I could only smell it when I was sweating. I wish the formula was a little thicker since it does take a few minutes to completely dry."
Results: "I noticed darker results by day four," said Kerri, "so it's good for those who just want a subtle tan. Next time I would try the darker formula since I was looking for a deeper color."
"I was pretty happy with the results, although I didn't use it every day since it was becoming too dark," said our medium-to-dark formula tester, Peggy, 48.
Tester Tip: "I recommend applying it at night before bed when you have the time to let it fully dry," said Kerri. "Plus, the scent will have faded by the morning, preventing you from having to deal with it all day long."
Where to Buy: $8.50, drugstore.com
Lotion: Clinique Self Sun Face and Body Tinted Lotion
Drying Time: 10 minutes
Formula and Smell: "I noticed that it smelled like an inflatable beach ball in the tube," said our tester, Carrie, 33, "but once I put it on my skin, the scent disappeared. I could see where I was applying it, so that made it easy when rubbing in."
Results: "I woke up the next morning with a very natural-looking color. A few people even asked if I had spent some time in the sun over the weekend. I would buy these again, although I do wish that the face lotion had an SPF in it."
Tester Tip: "If I made a mistake, I learned that Mr. Clean Magic Eraser can take the cream right off. So, if I messed up a little on my feet or hands, I just rubbed the Magic Eraser on the areas to get rid of the color. It's a little weird, but it worked."
Where to Buy: Face lotion, $19; clinique.com. Body lotion, $21; clinique.com
Aerosol: Bliss A Tan for All Seasons
Drying Time: 3-5 minutes
Formula and Smell: "At first it smelled like an alcoholic beverage — even my boyfriend noticed," said our tester, Rachel, 23, "but as it dried, the scent went away. The deep-brown color helped me see where I was spraying it, and it dried quickly and didn't smear. I found it perfect for my oily skin since it wasn't greasy."
Results: "I noticed immediate color, which lasted five days. I even used this on my face and it didn't clog my pores or make it into an oil slick. The spray takes some getting used to, but delivered even color."
Tester Tip: "I recommend using your hands to blend it in, but make sure you clean under your fingernails very well, or else they'll turn brown."
Where to Buy: $36, drugstore.com
Aerosol: Sevin Nyne Body Bronzing Mist
Drying Time: 5 minutes
Formula and Smell: "I loved the smell, which only peaked when I would sweat," said our tester, Real Beauty intern Marianne, 21. "Since it's an aerosol, it can be tricky for beginners to maneuver. You just have to be careful to not overdo it, so take it slow. I liked that it didn't transfer onto my sheets once it was dry."
Results: "I was tan after the first application, although it took a second application to even everything out. I would use this again, which is basically saying I trust Lindsay Lohan with my faux glow!
Tester Tip: "Stay a decent distance away from your walls or any furniture that could get caught in the mist. If your landlord won't let you paint your walls, he probably won't appreciate a tan streak on them!"
Where to Buy: $35, sephora.com
Gradual: Coppertone Gradual Tan Moisturizing Lotion
Drying Time: 10 minutes
Formula and Smell: "I loved the scent!" said Real Beauty director Deanne, 33. "My boyfriend said it smelled summery and beachy without smelling like sunscreen."
"The formula was really easy to apply and left no residue once it dried," said our second tester, Melanie, 31.
Results: "I started noticing a tan by day three," said Deanne. "I would buy it again, especially since I really favored the smell."
"I noticed results by day two and over the next five days, I got progressively darker," said Melanie. "It gave me a really natural-looking tan."
Tester Tip: "Be sure to wash your hands with a nail brush when you're finished," said Deanne.
Where to Buy: $10.21, drugstore.com
Lotion: Dior Bronze Self-Tanner Natural Glow Body and Face
Drying Time: 5 minutes
Formula and Smell:"Take it from someone who can't stand the scent of DHA activating — these didn't bother me at all," said Real Beauty associate editor Ariana, 24. "Both were easy to apply and absorbed rather quickly. I was nervous about the face lotion, but our senior editor Andrea assured me that I'd live."
Results: "I noticed results from the body formula by the second day and from the face formula by the third. The face formula didn't make me break out, although I did wash my face when I got up in the morning. I loved the body formula and would buy it."
Tester Tip: "I always apply self-tanners at night before I go to bed, and wake up a little earlier than usual, just in case there's any damage control to run."
Where to Buy: $33, sephora.com
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